Motorcycle Accidents: How to Prove Fault

Motorcycle Accidents: How to Prove Fault

Posted By
Law Office of Robert W. Kovacs, Jr.

Proving liability needs to be your number one priority after being in a
motorcycle accident, regardless if you were the person riding the motorcycle or the driver
hit by the motorcyclist. But where do you begin looking for proof that
will back up your claims? The evidence might be all around you and in
the events that led up to the collision.

If you were driving a car and were hit by a motorcycle, consider:

Weaving between lanes: A motorcyclist is supposed to control their ride as if it was a full-sized
vehicle, meaning they command an entire lane and do not weave between
traffic. A rider who slips between cars puts everyone at risk, especially
themselves, of serious injury.

Speeding: Motorcycles can accelerate to high speeds in short distances due to the
strength of their engine being strapped to a lightweight ride. Reckless
riders will try to take advantage of this power and speed down the street,
even when other motorists are around.

Blind spots: Motorists and motorcyclists alike are instructed not to linger in the blind
spots of other drivers when it can be prevented. A motorcycle rider that
intentionally or negligently stays just out of your line of sight could
be partially liable for any resulting collisions.

If you were riding a motorcycle and were hit by a car, consider:

Left-hand turns: Many motorcycle accidents occur at intersections when motorcycles go straight
through an intersection and collide with a driver making a dangerous left-hand
turn. Negligent drivers may not see the smaller form of a motorcycle approaching,
or they see it and do not acknowledge it, and turn when it is unsafe.

Sudden merges: Drivers cause thousands of sideswipe accidents each year by suddenly merging
into adjacent lanes without checking a single mirror or blind spot. Motorcyclists
are especially vulnerable to such reckless actions, as a sideswipe that
would probably only scrape a car can knock a motorcycle right over.

After you are in a collision with or on your motorcycle, try to remember
if any of the aforementioned situations apply. If they do, they could
be indicative of fault, or where most or all of the liability should lie.
For more help determining liability and filing an accident claim,
contact the Law Office of Robert W. Kovacs, Jr. Our Worcester personal injury
attorneys would be happy to help you better understand your rights during a
free initial consultation.